Similar Species

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug looks similar in appearance to other native hemipteran insects. The above pictures represent similar looking species and stink bugs found in New Jersey.

Stink bugs are shield shaped and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug can be distinguished from other stink bugs by its speckled appearance, white stripe on the antennae and the black and white banding on its abdomen.

Two species that are not stink bugs but may be found indoors during the winter are the Western Conifer Seed Bug and the Boxelder Bug. To distinguish these insects from the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, look at the shaped and colors. The Western Conifer Seed Bug has similar coloring as BMSB but its body is elongated (almost U-shaped) with much longer legs. The Boxelder Bug is oval in shape (tapering at the head) and can be distinguished by its black body with red markings.